p. 133 | ON DOUBTING PRAYER by George Everard

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 3, 1890

ON DOUBTING PRAYER.

By George Everard

WE must watch against the least suspicion of unwillingness on the part of God to grant our petitions. We have not to wring a benefit from the hand of one who hesitates to give, but to receive thankfully blessings God delights to bestow. We must not draw a false inference from the parable of the friend at midnight or of the unjust judge (Luke 11: 8; 18: 5). In each case there was unwillingness—unwillingness to rise and give the bread, and unwillingness to avenge the widow. But the point for us to learn is importunity and perseverance. God as a most loving Father rejoices to give the true bread; and as a righteous Judge, to protect and deliver the oppressed. And while we must constantly and patiently wait upon him, we may be sure that no word of prayer, no thought of prayer, is in vain. But we may go a step farther than this: God has been beforehand with us in this matter; he has opened to us his good treasure; he has come forth with free invitations, and exceeding great and precious promises, calling us to his mercy-seat, and pressing upon us the unspeakable blessings there to be obtained, so that prayer becomes the bounty and loving-kindness of a Father and a Friend.—Rev. George Everard.